About Mayawati Advaita Ashram
Mayawati Advaita Ashram is a branch of the Ramakrishna Math founded in 1899 at the behest of Swami Vivekananda. Located at an altitude of 1940 meters in the Champawat district of Uttarakhand, it is dedicated to the study and practice of Advaita Vedanta. The ashram sits amidst dense forests with panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan range and serves as a major publication center for the Ramakrishna Order.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a serene spiritual environment focused on meditation and study rather than tourism. The ashram features a library with over 20,000 books, a small museum, and beautiful gardens. The premises offer magnificent views of the Himalayan peaks. The atmosphere is quiet and contemplative, with no idol worship or rituals practiced in keeping with Advaita philosophy.
Key highlights
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Founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1899
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Panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan range
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Public library with over 20,000 books
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Small museum showcasing ashram history
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Major publication center for Ramakrishna Order literature
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Serene meditation environment in old tea estate surroundings
History of Mayawati Advaita Ashram
The ashram was founded on March 19, 1899, by James Henry Sevier and Charlotte Sevier at the behest of Swami Vivekananda. Swami Vivekananda visited the ashram in January 1901 and stayed for a fortnight. It was established to practice and preach Advaita Vedanta free from ritualistic settings. The ashram has been publishing Prabuddha Bharata, an English monthly journal founded by Swami Vivekananda, since 1896.
Culture & Context
The ashram is dedicated to the study and practice of Advaita Vedanta philosophy. It maintains the principle of no idol worship, not even of Ramakrishna, in keeping with its Advaita ideals. It serves as a major publication center for the Ramakrishna Order, producing important works including The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda in English and Hindi.
Route
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